clump of cactus that shut off the view of Slade and the Navahos. At the
second bullet from the high-power rifle the creeping Apache rolled over.
There was no need for a third shot.

After this hit Lennon saw not the slightest sign of the retreating band.
But he continued to rake the rocks and cactus clumps with frequent
shots, while the Navahos in the ditch followed along the flank of their
half-exposed enemies.

Lennon became aware that shots were being fired from the cliff house.
Soon afterward he saw Slade rush boldly along the cliff foot. The
Apaches were too intent upon flight to fire at the now distant enemies
in their rear. One glance at the trader sent Lennon bounding up over the
rim of rock and down the slope.

The rope ladder dropped from the cliff house doorway. By the time Lennon
reached the tumbledown ranch hut Slade was at the top of the ladder and
Pete was beginning to climb. Lennon dashed on along the cliff foot. He
gave no heed to the dead Apaches that lay huddled or sprawled amidst the
wreckage of the wooden ladder poles and rungs. At the foot of the rope
ladder he thrust his rifle through the back of his belt and swung up as
fast as he could climb.

Before he had ascended twenty feet a half-spent bullet thudded against
the cliff face at his elbow. Another grazed his side. At least one of
the distant Apaches had turned about and was making uncomfortably close
shots at the climber. Lennon stopped short. A bullet struck less than a
span above his head. He hurried on up by irregular jerks and dashes.

More bullets struck around him. One seared his thigh. Owing, however,
either to sheer good fortune or to his jerky ascent, he reached the top
of the ladder without a serious wound.

Pete lay flattened out in the doorway behind a sack of corn. He was
firing down the valley. Lennon flung himself in past the young Navaho.
Safe within the cliff house, he reeled against the massive wall and
stood panting for breath.

From the doorway of the living room came a happy cry. Elsie darted out
to fling her arms about Lennon.

"Oh! oh! oh! You did get up, Jack--you did!" she cried. "Mena was
dreadfully afraid for you. The 'Paches have killed one of Slade's
punchers and are chasing the others back."

Lennon kissed the quivering girl and thrust her from him to grasp his
rifle.

"We're safe now, Blossom. But I must help to cover the retreat of our
men."

He ran to the crane-hoist opening. Slade was crouched